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November 7, 2015
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I’ve always liked the looks and features of the Model 71 and the unique cartridge/rifle relationship has always intrigued me but there doesn’t seem to be much collector interest. I know it’s too new for some collectors but wonder if there are other reasons. I think it would make a great hog rifle but pretty sure I have that neighborhood pretty well covered.
Any 71 fans around here?
Always liked the Model 71 myself.In the past I had one,but sold it at a weak moment.
I used to be a pretty hard core 71 collector but my interest was slowly pulled to other models. I love the 71. There seems to be enough collector interest that the nice guns’ asking prices seem pretty high. But, I don’t know how may of them actually sell.
Mike,
There are a lot of Model 71 collectors & fans out there… they are very popular in the western states, Canada, and Alaska. I personally know at least 12 – 15 people who collect them. I guess it should not be too surprising that you Texas types may not be as familiar with them, but believe me, once you get into big game country, the Model 71 is very well known and collected.
I suspect that you have not read the article that I wrote specifically about them (Fall 2013 edition) – https://winchestercollector.org/magazines/201309/index.html
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Absolutely love the Model 71! Although I do not own one at this time I will down the road. I personally like the Deluxe rifle version but a standard sporting rifle version would do just fine as well.
Dave
WACA #10119
NRA Member
November 7, 2015
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Thanks for the link, Bert. Good article, very informative. I seldom see any type of lever gun in deer camp here in TX-other than one of mine. 348 brass is a bit hard to come by at the moment but dies and bullet moulds are available.
I like them with an octagon bbl, full mag, straight grip, crescent butt . . . oh, wait . . . 
Not my cup of tea, aesthetically speaking.
TXGunNut said
I’ve always liked the looks and features of the Model 71 and the unique cartridge/rifle relationship has always intrigued me but there doesn’t seem to be much collector interest. I know it’s too new for some collectors but wonder if there are other reasons. I think it would make a great hog rifle but pretty sure I have that neighborhood pretty well covered.Any 71 fans around here?
Tex,
This link has been posted here before, but take a look at this old Winchester hunting video:
Regards,
Tom
November 7, 2015
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Fun little video, Tom. Thanks.
Mike,
A Model 71 would be a great Hog gun, especially for the bigger Boars. Better start saving up a separate fund for a nice shiny Model 71!!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Bert H. said
Mike,
A Model 71 would be a great Hog gun, especially for the bigger Boars. Better start saving up a separate fund for a nice shiny Model 71!!
Bert
Graham and I along with another Texas hunter have a little joke along the lines of never having too many hog guns. The other hunter is no longer with us but we still keep the joke alive. I likely have almost too many but I can’t recall an old Winchester in the whole bunch. Hmmmmm……;-)
I like them. I’ve liked them for the last 50 years. But I have coveted them in .33 WCF or .45/70. Never connected on one in either of these calibers but the extremely rare opportunity had presented itself in the past. Sadly, I never connected. By the way, I can’t verify whether these were the real deal or not. I seem to recall the price suggested they were, but as we know, that is only a suggestion.
On the topic of the M71, some came from the factory with Pachmayr recoil pads?
steve004 said
I like them. I’ve liked them for the last 50 years. But I have coveted them in .33 WCF or .45/70. Never connected on one in either of these calibers but the extremely rare opportunity had presented itself in the past. Sadly, I never connected. By the way, I can’t verify whether these were the real deal or not. I seem to recall the price suggested they were, but as we know, that is only a suggestion.On the topic of the M71, some came from the factory with Pachmayr recoil pads?
Steve,
I have verified (2) of them in 33 WCF, and (2) in 45-70. There are rumored to be several more of them out there in each caliber.
No, the Model 71 did not come from the factory with a Pachmayr recoil pad. They were offered with the Winchester solid red rubber pad, and a NoShoc recoil pad.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Saw one recently with a Winchester pad but LOP was too short. Another that caught my eye is a deluxe gun and the wood is not proud of the butt plate but is proud at all other places. Other than that the wood appears original. May need another look. That steel butt plate looks rather painful.
I’ve killed a few bigger hogs with a 35 Remington and the 348 can easily duplicate that load. Even better is the 35 Whelen, come to think of it the .348 can probably step up near that level as well with a heat treated gas-checked cast bullet. I like putting holes in big hogs, two is best. Lets air in, blood out. For some reason holes .35″ and bigger seem to work best. Of course if I stumble across one in 45-70 I’m already set up for that cartridge.
Loading for the .348 is do-able, not near the chore I thought it would be. May have to keep my eye out for a nice one.
Mike,
The original 250-gr load is an absolute Killer… at both ends! The only vintage Winchester I own that is more potent is my Model 1885 high-wall in 405 WCF… there is just something about a .4115 diameter 300-gr soft-point bullet travelling 2500 fps that speaks not so softly, and carries a very big stick!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Nice TR reference, Bert. The man certainly had a way with words and he knew his rifles.
I have some experience with “Thumper” lever guns (of another manufacture) and have foolishly approached the limits of that modern design with high performance 45-70 loads. Critters I hunt don’t generally need that level of energy and as a shooter I don’t either. That’s why I “roll my own”, I can go as fast (or slow) as I want. I read Waters’ article on the .348, he likes a cast 200gr at about 1900 fps. He also thought highly of the Silvertip bullet, much like our hero in the linked movie.
I suppose I do have some bias against the .348. I never thought there was anything about the .33 that needed improvement. This probably explains part of my desire for a M71 in .33. I notice many have found the .348 hits hard on the shooter’s end. Hence, the reference above to loading it down a bit. Well… don’t you just circle back to the .33
November 7, 2015
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The 33WCF is indeed an excellent cartridge, Steve, partly because it’s based on the 45-70 case and uses a more common bullet diameter. Other than that I know little about it. When I add an 1886 to my little collection I’ll probably consider a 33WCF if the opportunity presents itself even though I’d prefer other chamberings. I’ll have a nice 1886 someday, the 71 is mostly a curiosity for me at the moment. The .348 would be a poor choice for me as a Texas hunting rifle but quite honestly I have little need for another hunting rifle.
The premise for this thread is the 71 and the 348 cartridge are just odd enough to appeal to me, and maybe others…but not many others, apparently. I’m just trying to figure out why. The 71 is an excellent rifle for the reasons Bert discusses in his article but it’s easy to pass it off as a poor imitation of the 1886. I have too many projects going on at the moment but I know the right opportunity for the right gun won’t wait until I have my project list and loading bench cleared….can’t recall last time that happened anyway.
.33 WCF is an EXCELLENT cartridge! A way to own a Winchester 1886 at a reasonable price. I have taken 7 or 8 deer with one over the years.
January 26, 2011
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Bert – Wasn’t there a matted barrel 71 floating around the Reno show a couple years ago on a Sunday? I don’t know if anyone thought it was correct, but I do remember something about it. Do you recall?
~Gary~
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